Other Destinations
See and touch real dinosaur footprints down by the beautiful Connecticut River.
At Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke, Massachusetts, visitors have the opportunity to see and touch real dinosaur footprint fossils. This property, managed by The Trustees, is home to the first dinosaur prints ever scientifically described. The dinosaur tracks on the property are the state fossil of Massachusetts, and are believed to have been left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs, ranging from small plant-eaters to large meat-eaters up to 20 feet long. The footprints were discovered in the Connecticut River Valley region, which existed as a mix of subtropical wetlands and shallow lakes about 200 million years ago. The region is known for its wealth of prehistoric footprints and has been recognized for this since the discovery of these tracks in 1802.
Distance: 11 Miles
Website: https://thetrustees.org/place/dinosaur-footprints/Â
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Checking in at over 150 acres, Northampton’s Look Memorial Park is a great place to spend a little quiet time. A 1.2 mile paved walking path winds its way through this beautiful park. The park features a seasonal steam train, paddle boats, wildlife center, playgrounds, miniature, golf, and tennis courts.
Distance: 11 Miles
Website: https://www.lookpark.org/
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A diverse terrain of forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh and wetlands which attracts an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Easthampton, MA, is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. This preserve contains a variety of habitats, from forests and wetlands to meadows and rivers. Visitors can explore the diverse landscape on miles of trails that traverse open fields, forests of maples and oaks, and freshwater marshes.
The sanctuary provides a great spot for wildlife watching year-round. The variety of plants and animals found here attract many species of birds including woodpeckers, hawks, warblers, cardinals and orioles. In addition to extensive bird diversity there are also great opportunities for mammal viewing such as White-tailed deer, red foxes, opossums and Eastern cottontail rabbits.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided hikes on seasonal topics as well as family friendly events. In addition to educational programs there are summer camp offerings that provide hands-on learning experiences with environmental science themes regarding nature exploration and conservation awareness. Don’t miss the interactive learning stations located at several spots throughout the trails which give visitors an opportunity to learn more about their environment as they explore!
Distance: 6 Miles
Website: https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/arcadia
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The summit of Mt. Sugarloaf offers amazing views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Pelham and Berkshire Hills. Consisting of two peaks, North and South Sugarloaf, the Reservation offers picnicking, scenic viewing and hiking. You can drive to the summit or take one of the many hiking trails. On the summit is a pavilion for scenic viewing and lots of space for picnicking. Mt. Sugarloaf, made from a sandstone rock called Sugarloaf Arkose, is a fine example of the Connecticut Valley’s geological history. Its summit offers some of the best scenic views of the broad agricultural landscape of the Connecticut River Valley.
Distance: 11 Miles
Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/mount-sugarloaf-state-reservation
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Pulaski Park is located on Main Street in downtown Northampton. The one acre municipal park is a beautiful space for all to enjoy. The park has shade trees, walkways, benches and a play structure. Throughout the year, the park hosts many events, including music, food tastings, and dancing, and it’s a great place to people watch. The park’s central location in downtown Northampton, it is within walking distance to loads of food and drink options, shopping and galleries.
Distance: 16 Miles
Website: https://www.northamptonma.gov/1440/Pulaski-Park
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Small park featuring a large statue of the famed activist and abolitionist on a granite pedestal.
Sojourner Truth Memorial, located in Florence, MA, is a tribute to the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth. The memorial statue pays homage to the two-room cottage built in 1844 which served as a safe haven for Truth when she couldn’t find lodging elsewhere. The memorial serves as an educational reminder to honor one of America’s most iconic figures in history and all who have been inspired by her courage and steadfast commitment to justice and equality.
The grounds are part of a larger historic triangle encompassing Florence’s historic downtown district.
Distance: 4 Miles
Website: https://sojournertruthmemorial.org/
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Located across the street from the Botanic Garden of Smith College, a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail along the Mill River.
This trail is a popular destination for road biking, running, and walking, but you can still find some peace and quiet during quieter times of day. The trail is open all year round and is a beautiful place to visit at any time.
Distance: 4 Miles
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/paradise-pond-and-mill-river-trail
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Eleven-mile paved bike and walking path on the old tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad.
The Norwottuck Branch Rail Trail, formerly the Norwottuck Rail Trail, is an 11-mile paved bicycle and pedestrian rail trail running from Northampton, Massachusetts to Belchertown, passing through Hadley and Amherst, along the way. It opened in 1992, and is now part of the longer Mass Central Rail Trail.
Distance: 6 Miles
Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/norwottuck-rail-trail
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A 2.9-mile hike on the flat Boggy Meadow Road trail leading toward Fitzgerald Lake.
The Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (FLCA) is a beautiful 850-acre space that is owned by the City of Northampton. It is managed jointly by the Northampton Conservation Commission and the Broad Brook Coalition, and is dedicated to conservation, passive recreation, and watershed protection. The FLCA is home to a 40-acre artificial lake, as well as a variety of habitats including forests, open meadows, and wetlands.
With well maintained trails and ample parking, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is a large beautiful spot to hike, swim, cross-country ski, picnic, meditate – and more. It’s beautiful, accessible, and free.
Distance: 5 Miles
Website: https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/
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Hike the Mount Holyoke Summit Trail up to the Summit House to get another beautiful view of the Pioneer Valley.
Located just 10 miles from Northampton, Massachusetts, the historic Mt. Holyoke Summit House at Skinner State Park is a must-see attraction for anyone looking for breathtaking views, interesting history and great outdoor exercise. Towering 875 feet above sea level, the wood-frame Summit House offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of five states: Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island to the east; Vermont to the north; and New York to the west.
Distance: 14 Miles
Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/skinner-state-park
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You’ll find Thornes Marketplace in the heart of downtown Northampton. Inside you’ll discover three levels of shopping and dining options, there is something for everyone inside Thornes. When you visit, make sure to notice all of the beautifully well-maintained period details – pressed tin ceilings, hardwood floors, and the gorgeous stained glass windows. Thornes Marketplace is located at 150 Main Street in downtown Northampton.
Distance: 5 Miles
Website: https://www.thornesmarketplace.com/
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Dedicated on October 23, 1894, it is built of Milford granite with Longmeadow sandstone trimming. It is estimated to accommodate 400,000 volumes and is considered to be an ornament to the city.
Forbes Library is a public library located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It provides a wide range of materials and services to the people of Northampton and the surrounding area. The library’s building is welcoming and encourages civic, intellectual, and cultural pursuits. Forbes Library serves as a community meeting place that supports and nurtures curiosity, free inquiry, and lifelong learning. The library is open 56 hours per week and many resources are also available online 24/7.
The Forbes Library collections are diverse and include popular fiction and non-fiction, a large arts and music section, a children’s department, and an impressive art gallery. The library also has an extensive local history and genealogy collection for Hampshire County, as well as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum. Forbes Library offers a range of programming and reference services for both children and adults, including author readings, music and dance demonstrations, dramatic readings and performances, writing workshops, book and poetry discussion groups, internet training workshops, knitting, chess, and storytime.
Distance: 5 Miles
Website: https://forbeslibrary.org/
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